Emmerdale's Rishi lies dead at the bottom of the stairs with show logo comp image
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Emmerdale tragedy as Rishi Sharma dies on Jai’s wedding day

What killed Rishi?

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Last night’s heartbreaking episode of Emmerdale saw Rishi Sharma die on the day of son Jai and his wife-to-be Laurel’s wedding. The tragic scenes came after weeks of feuding between the two, with Jai learning that Rishi was not his biological father.

In a devastating twist, Jai agreed to bury the hatchet with Rishi… just as viewers learned that he was dead.

Rishi lying dead at the bottom of the stairs on Emmerdale
Rishi died in last night’s episode of the soap (Credit: ITV)

Rishi dies as Jai and Laurel tie the knot

As Jai and Laurel celebrated their marriage in the Woolpack, Rishi was notable for his absence. This was even more curious, as an earlier scene had showed Rishi preparing to attend.

The soap then cut to a shot of Rishi lying dead at home, lifeless at the foot of the stairs. Rishi had died before he could attend his son’s wedding – or bury the hatchet.

But how did Rishi die?

Rishi dead on Emmerdale
What – or who – killed Rishi? (Credit: ITV)

How did Rishi die on Emmerdale?

Following the episode being aired, viewers registered their shock on social media. Writing on Twitter, a number of fans theorised as to what might have killed Rishi.

“Has he had a stroke or heart attack?” asked one fan.

“Rishi is dead. I’m gutted… Jai won’t forgive himself… probably a heart attack with all the stress… bless him,” a second fan said.

“I hope he wasn’t pushed, murdered,” another wrote.

“Bet Jai pushed Rishi down the stairs,” joked another viewer..

“Has Meena returned and killed Rishi?” wondered another, tongue firmly in cheek.

What do you think killed Rishi?

Rishi on Emmerdale looking worried
Bhasker Patel played Rishi on Emmerdale (Credit: ITV)

Star Bhasker Patel issues message to fans following episode

Once the episode had aired, star Bhasker Patel – who plays Rishi – released a message to the soap’s fans.

“Thanks for watching Rishi over the years. I feel privileged to have been part of the show for 12 years,” Bhasker said.

“I have loved it and will miss it enormously, especially my friends and working in the beautiful village of Emmerdale. Thank you for watching,” he said.

Read more: Complete Emmerdale cast list 2023 – meet them all here!

Emmerdale - Goodbye Rishi

Emmerdale usually airs on weekdays at 7:30pm, with an hour long episode on Thursdays.

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Joel Harley
Freelance Writer